Wang Weiguo: The prodigy of Journey to the West, the only "King of Pluto" printed on banknotes

Vuong Wei Quoc took on the role of the Jade Emperor in the legendary movie Journey to the West, who was once called a "prodigy" when he possessed admirable intelligence. He was also the first actor to have his face printed on banknotes.

When it comes to the classic film Journey to the West (1986), many generations of viewers immediately remember the image of four Tang Tang teachers and students with a journey to Tay Truc to visit the temple. The film is not only successful thanks to its attractive plot and creative techniques in the context of many limitations, but also because of the talented cast, leaving a deep impression in the hearts of viewers. However, few people suspect that the character known as the "star with the highest academic status" of the film is not Tang Tang or Sun Wukong, but the Jade Emperor played by actor Wang Weiguo.

The special background of a "Jade Emperor"

Wang Weiguo was born in 1955 in Beijing. As a teenager, he lived a hard life selling snacks in the Di'anmen neighborhood. At that time, Vuong Wei Quoc was just a small businessman, not thinking about becoming a famous artist. However, with his tall figure, handsome face, style and imposing temperament, he caught the eye of an acting teacher. This teacher advised, guided and helped him pass the exam to enter the Central Academy of Drama – the birthplace of Vuong Wei Quoc's professional artistic path.

In 1978, he officially entered the acting department of the Academy. After four years of hard study and training, Wang Weiguo graduated, joined the China Youth Art Theater, and then became an actor of the Central Academy of Drama. Thanks to his unremitting efforts, he was awarded the title of "National No. 1 Actor", one of the highest honors for performers in China.

Respectable educational background

What surprised the audience the most about Vuong Wei Quoc was not only his theatrical talent but also his outstanding educational background. In parallel with his artistic career, he graduated in International Politics from Renmin University of China, then went on to study for a master's degree at the Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. This makes the public favorably call him by a special title - "Scholar of Journey to the West".

In the cast of Journey to the West, many people come from art, trained by practical experience. But Vuong Wei Quoc converges both factors: acting expertise and academic knowledge, creating a temperament that is both majestic and intellectual, suitable to transform into the most venerable person of the Heavenly Court.

Imprints in Journey to the West and other classics

In the 1986 version of Journey to the West, in addition to the role of the majestic Jade Emperor, Wang Weiguo also took on two more supporting roles: Master Da Ling and the White Elephant Youkai. Although not the main character, he still left a deep impression thanks to his flexible role-playing ability. In particular, the image of Ngoc Hoang with his calm, majestic but still close demeanor has become a classic in the hearts of many generations of audiences.

In 2000, when director Duong Jiet restarted the film project, she continued to trust and invite Vuong Wei Quoc to return as Ngoc Hoang. With a calm demeanor, plus a scholarly temperament, he once again made a strong impression, affirming his position as the "Classic Jade Emperor" on the Chinese small screen.

Not stopping at Journey to the West, Vuong Wei Quoc also appeared in many films adapted from the four great Chinese masterpieces. In the Three Kingdoms Interpretation, he transformed into Cao Wei's famous general Zhang Liao, who once made a resounding victory at the Battle of Hefei. In Thuy Hu, he played the role of Lu Tuan Nghia, the hero ranked second in the 108 Luong Son Bac heroes.

In addition, he also participated in many other famous works such as The Letter of Vengeance, The Fire of A Phong Bow, The Hero of Marksmanship, Bao Lien Dang, The Blood of the Guard... The audience has seen him when he was Qianlong, when he transformed into Qin Shi Huang, or continued to appear with the image of the Jade Emperor the Great. Each role is performed by him with a distinct charisma, leaving an indelible mark.

The "pre-underworld" incident and respectable behavior

A story that once made Wang Weiguo cry and laugh was that his face suddenly appeared on... pre-hell. Because many small printing factories used his image of the Jade Emperor in Journey to the West, for a long time, people accidentally "met" Vuong Wei Quoc on the bills used in worship.

He himself was startled when he returned to his hometown to buy votive gold and discovered his image. However, instead of suing for using unauthorized images, Wang Weiguo chose to ignore it, considering it a small matter. That calmness and generosity make the audience respect this talented artist even more.

At the age of 70: Secretive but still loved

Turning 70 years old, Vuong Wei Quoc no longer participates in many artistic activities. He lives quite privately, rarely appears in the media, and especially keeps his private life private, making the audience almost unaware of his wife and children. Occasionally, fans can only see him in some cultural programs or reunion occasions with the stars of Journey to the West.

In the late afternoon, his hair was gray, his face was no longer in the same shape as before, but Vuong Wei Quoc still maintained a comfortable spirit and loved life. He often gathers with friends, passionately singing and chatting. To the audience, he will always be the classic "Jade Emperor", a symbol that is difficult to replace on the small screen.

With a career spanning decades, Wang Weiguo has left a rich film legacy, spanning from theater to television and cinema. He is not only remembered for his roles as emperor, goddess, and hero, but also for the image of an intellectual, highly educated artist who knows how to reconcile art and academia.

For many generations of audiences, especially those who are attached to Journey to the West, Vuong Wei Quoc is not just an actor, but also the embodiment of childhood memories, of the days of sitting in front of a small screen passionately watching the journey of petitioning.

Wang Weiguo's life and career are proof that art and education can go hand in hand. From an idyllic small businessman, thanks to his passion, effort and timely guidance, he has become a great artist, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Chinese dramas.

Although he has turned 70 years old, the name Vuong Wei Quoc is always associated with the majestic, intellectual and humane image of the Jade Emperor the Great. And perhaps, in the hearts of the audience, this "Jade Emperor" will forever be a beautiful and irreplaceable part of Journey to the West.

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